Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (Tawaka) leader Velmurugan on Saturday announced that his party is withdrawing from the DMK-led alliance, adding to the coalition’s troubles ahead of the election.
Velmurugan, a two-time MLA from Panruti earlier elected on a PMK ticket, later formed Tawaka. In the last election, he contested as part of the DMK alliance and won from Panruti.
Despite being in the alliance, he frequently clashed with ministers and the Speaker in the Assembly, which, according to the report, had led to strong dissatisfaction within the DMK. Velmurugan had also been pressing from the outset for more seats for his party, a demand the DMK did not accept.
Speaking to reporters, Velmurugan said the DMK did not consider his request and that he had placed 10 demands before the party. He also alleged that government officials had told him he would be removed from the alliance, and claimed the DMK was accommodating forces opposed to social justice.
He said Tawaka has a notable vote base in northern and north-western districts and that the party would decide its next course of action after consulting office-bearers. Velmurugan added that Tawaka would align with parties willing to meet its demands, while thanking Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and alliance leaders for the opportunity over the past five years.
